Friday, June 16, 2017

9 Ways to Save Money on Prescription Drugs

If you watch
television for more than a few hours, it’s hard not to come to the conclusion
that there’s a pill for practically everything. From heart disease and
arthritis to anxiety and depression, Americans are taking more
pills now than ever before to treat these diseases. While critics may question
the value of so much medication, it’s hard to deny that pharmaceuticals have
improved the lives of many with chronic conditions.

Unfortunately,
rising costs are increasingly putting pharmaceuticals out of reach for the most
vulnerable people in society, forcing them to choose between buying food and
buying medication. While there are alternatives to paying high prices for
pharmaceuticals, saving money takes time and research.

The following 9 tips
can help you get started:

1) Choose generic.
While the price of formulary drugs continues to rise, generic drugs are still
surprisingly cheap. For example, a 30 day supply of Prozac can cost as much as
$232.82 at a retail pharmacy, while the generic equivalent, Fluoxetine, can
cost as little as $21 a year. Check with your physician to see if a generic
equivalent will work for you.

2) Get a
drug discount card. For those without insurance, drug discount cards can
provide a straightforward way to cut prescription costs. While some cards
require a fee, many provide discounts with no upfront costs. Caution is
required as not all cards are created equal.

3) Shop around.
Not surprisingly, the cost of prescription drugs can vary substantially from
pharmacy to pharmacy. Before you fill your prescription, spend some time
calling around. Discount clubs like Costco can save you money and you don’t
even have to be a member to use their pharmacy.

4) Buy in bulk.
If you take prescription medicines for a chronic condition, you may be able to
save money by buying in bulk. The cost of a six month supply of medicine often
costs little more than two months of medication purchased one month at a time.
Check with your doctor to see if he will write you a prescription for a longer
period of time and you could cut your costs prescription costs in half.

5) Ask for
free samples. Many drug companies give doctors free samples. This can help you
save money, especially in the short run. Once the samples run out, you may be
shocked by true cost. Before you accept samples, make sure you check with your
physician to see if there would be any complications associated with changing
prescriptions after the samples run dry.

6) Shop online.
Buying prescription drugs online can be a viable alternative to retail,
especially if you are treating a chronic condition like diabetes. Insurance
companies often have close relationships with pharmaceutical distributors and
can usually provide direct billing. For the uninsured, online pharmaceutical
companies can often provide substantial savings. Before buying online, make
sure you thoroughly investigate providers as there are significant amounts of
counterfeit drugs on the market.

7) Patient
assistance programs. Most pharmaceuticals companies have drug assistance
programs for those who cannot afford their medicines. Benefits are usually
dependent on income which means you will have to supply financial information
to become eligible. While subsidies vary widely, the programs can provide help for
those who would otherwise have to do without. RxAssist.org is a great resource for
information on these programs.

8) Review
your medicines with your doctor. With the high degree of specialization in the
medical field, it’s possible that you are taking too many medications or taking
medications that interfere with one another. If you are wondering how you’re going
to afford all of your medications, take them to your pharmacist or physician to
see if you can reduce the overall amount. Many medications are also taken to
counter the side effects of other medications. Make sure to have all of your
medications reviewed whenever you discontinue any one of them.

9) Use coupons.
Prescription coupons allow you save money on your medications, even if you
already have insurance. Before you go to the pharmacy, check online by
searching for your medication and the word “coupon.” Often disease specific
magazines or brochures given to you at the doctor’s office have coupons for
medication.

Saving money
on prescription drugs requires both time and patience.The best way to start is
by talking with your physician. Make sure you doctor understands that you are
concerned about the cost as well as the side effects of your medications.
Before you decide to forego a drug, make sure you share this information with
him. A physician will not only help you prioritize drugs, he might also be able
to direct you to a cheaper alternative.Once you are armed with this
information, start searching for savings. Even if you can’t significantly cut
your costs, you’ll still have a better idea of what you’re taking and what you
really need.